Welding Schools in Minnesota

Minnesota is a wonderful place to start a career as a welder. The state offers a very straight and direct process to enter this field, with abundant high-quality training programs in and around every city. If you want to pursue such a journey, you have reached the right page.

Below, you’ll discover critical information you’ll need to start your career correctly. We discuss the basic educational requirements, possible classroom and real-world experience training options, and ways to specialize and stand out.

Candidates will also discover the licensure requirements to practice as a welder in Minnesota, some top welding programs in the state to consider, and the salary outlook and career projection at different points of their potential careers.

How to Become a Welder in Minnesota

The following are the requirements for becoming a welder in Minnesota.

Basic Educational Requirements

While you don’t necessarily have to earn an advanced degree to become a welder in Minnesota, employers and training programs appreciate candidates who at least have a high school diploma or GED.

On-the-Job Training Requirements

Candidates in Minnesota may take advantage of on-the-job training opportunities like apprenticeship programs for their actual technical training.

Some of the best welding apprenticeship programs are offered by unions and professional organizations in the state. They tend to last between 2 - 4 years to complete.

One of the advantages of these programs is that candidates get hands-on training and possible job placement assistance.

Academic Training Requirements

Candidates may attend a welding technology training program offered by a trade school instead of an apprenticeship program. They may also choose to attend these programs to consolidate their initial training.

Academic programs offer certificates and associate degrees that are valuable for career growth. They also offer advanced training for those who would like to specialize further.

Employment

Most welders in Minnesota work in manufacturing facilities. Their expertise will be required to work with metal components for airplanes, pipes, machinery, and other equipment.

Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester are some of Minnesota’s cities with the biggest demand for welders.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an HVAC technician in Minnsota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The state of Minnesota does not have mandatory licensing requirements for its welders. With a high school diploma or GED and graduation from a training program, candidates can seek employment and practice their crafts in any establishment of choice.

It is worth iterating, however, that most welders in the state will still choose to get certified anywhere. They often choose to obtain credentials from the American Welding Society not because it is compulsory by law but because it provides them with an edge and lends credibility to their expertise, which is usually appealing to prospective employers.

Additionally, getting certified by AWS can help pave the way for better career opportunities and make it easier to practice in other states where AWS certification is mandatory.

Top Welding Schools in Minnesota

These are some of Minnesota’s top training institutions for aspiring welders to consider.

Explore Welding Schools in Minnesota by City:

• Welding Schools in Minneapolis

Salary & Career Outlook

Welders in Minnesota earn an annual average salary of $50,598. This is practically in line with the national average. Those who have gained more experience and work in larger establishments tend to make as high as $64,116 per year, while those just beginning their careers may earn closer to an annual average salary of $39,930.

Considering experience only, welders in Minnesota with less than 1 year of experience usually earn an annual average salary of $53,649, while those who have more than 10 years on the job take home an annual average salary of around $57,814.

Brooklyn Center, Saint Paul, and Shoreview are the cities with the highest salaries for welders in Minnesota, with annual average salaries of $54,331, $53,852, and $53,518, respectively.

Welders in New Prague earn an annual average salary of around $53,232, while welders in Lakeville earn an annual average salary of around $52,821.